It really is all about Peyton Lard

Douglas LeeDec 7, 2012 8:14 AM

Happy Friday, Broncos fans! Ten wins doesn't sound like that much. Broncos fans are rather accustomed to their team reaching that plateau, as they've now done so 18 times since 1977, the year of Denver's first SB team.

But since the last double-digit campaign of 2005, there had been five seasons of mediocrity, and one of pure ineptitude.

This time, it's only taken 13 games to reach that mark.

After a 2-3 start.

As expected, the Broncos (10-3) dispatched the host Raiders (3-10) with relative ease last night in a 26-13 road win (Game Book, ANS box score) that places them one half-game ahead of New England and Baltimore, and alone as the AFC's #2 seed, pending those team's Week 14 games.

Peyton Manning has now led his teams to at least ten wins in 12 of the 14 years he's played, with the only exceptions having been his rookie season and that of the 2001 Jim Mora "Playoffs?!?!" meltdown.

That's now ten straight seasons of ten wins for Peyton, including seven with at least 12. And with Baltimore, Cleveland, and Kansas City left on the schedule, there's no reason to think Manning won't get his team to 12 once again, which would make for the ninth time he'll have done so in his career.

Running the table would get Denver to 13 wins, where Peyton has already been four times.

It's all old hat for the QB, except for the matter of the four neck surgeries, and the relocation after 14 years spent in one town and with one team.

Nine months ago today, Manning's world was turned upside down, when he was dumped by the only NFL team he'd ever played for. To the surprise of almost everyone, he passed over an obvious SB contender in San Francisco, choosing instead a team considered by most to be bereft of talent (with the notable exceptions of Bill Polian and Ted Bartlett).

It was supposed to take the entire year for Peyton to get back to normal, to acquaint with his new teammates, and for the Broncos to win with the frequency both he and we spoiled fans are accustomed to.

Instead, he's back to his familiar ways of winning games in bunches, extending or setting records (most 300-yard games, most seasons with 10+ wins), and reaching milestones (5,000 career completions) along the way.

Cherish this, Broncos fans. Ten wins is routine for Manning and for the Denver Broncos, but this is a most special season.

After having missed much of the second quarter due to injury, Demaryius Thomas says his shoulder is sore, but that he expects to be fine going forward. Of course, the upside to the brutality of having played two games in five days is that the players now get three days off before returning to work in preparation for the monumental Week 15 showdown at Baltimore. No better time for a mini-bye, as the team tries to earn a full, meaningful one.

It will have been two weeks off for Chris Kuper (who has been greatly missed whenever out this season) and Wesley Woodyard by the time the Ravens game comes, so we can hope they'll be well healed and rested for the stretch run.

Normally it would be overbearing and physically costly to hand off to a guy 32 times in Week 14, but since Knowshon Moreno entered the game with just 48 carries, this isn't the case. Instead, Knowshon can perhaps develop a groove as the team heads into the playoffs.

Although his 3.7-yard average wasn't much, Moreno looked again like a guy who had learned a thing or two from having watched Willis McGahee for a couple of months. His 167 yards on 36 touches are the second-most of his career (175, @ KC, 2010), and by far his largest total against a team other than the Chiefs. It's also the most touches he's ever had, with 28 his previous high (vs SEA, 2010).

Elvis Dumervil has been getting some pretty rough grades from PFF, which we're not sure we'd agree with.

Not sure we'd characterize last night as Denver having emphasized the run, so much as salting away a late two-score lead. But it would be nice to see a more Belichickian approach of going for the jugular, as the Broncos have now gone four straight games where they've turned potential blowouts into narrower wins, three of which required onside kick recoveries to assure the outcomes.

It sounds trite, but it really is true - last night, again, was all about Peyton Manning and Von Miller. Even Woody Paige can see that, and just wait until he claims credit for having been the first to call Von Miller a potential HOFer.

The Steelers expect Ben Roethlisberger to start Sunday against San Diego.

Bills T Chris Hairston is headed to IR; Cincinnati signed K Josh Brown with MIke Nugent struggling with an injury.

Peyton Hillis fired back at his old Browns teammate Joe Thomas by likening the tackle to a "crazy ex-girlfriend."

An unnamed Detroit Lion says several teammates, including Ndamukong Suh, don't quite "get it" or "understand what it takes to win." Cue up the anonymous quote outrage, unless that's reserved for criticism of the Ultimate Teammate™.

A domestic case involving Terrell Suggs and his girlfriend resulted in Suggs being ordered to surrender some firearms.

Analysis

While speaking on the Senator floor Harry Reid compared the GOP to the LOLJets, prompting Doug Farrar to appropriately suggest that exiling Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith to FOX News would do us all some good.

They're not too upset in San Diego about the reported looming firing of A.J. Smith, even if they're left delusionally thinking they're headed back to the playoffs next season.

In his film study, Andy Benoit glances at several games from Week 13 and looks ahead to Week 14, focusing mainly on Niners/Dolphins.

Matt Bowen breaks down how RG3 and Pierre Garcon beat the Giants' Cover 2 shell, and how Thomas DeCoud was able to pick off Drew Brees out of his single-high position; Bucky Brooks also pulls up tape of RG3.

Pete Prisco examines the game-winning drives engineered by Russell Wilson and Andrew Luck last week, while again praising the play of Chris Harris.

Bill Barnwell warns us not to read too much into the outcome of Monday's Patriots/Texans game, but rather to focus on what the process tells us. Of course, this would be a good way to approach any game that doesn't result in elimination.

Maybe it is, when it comes to the upcoming game with the "Super Crows" this so-called "All about Payton' thing has some merit after all. You see, when you've been told over and over that, statistical wise, Payton Manning, as a Colt, beats the Ravens every time, and is likely even more probable as a full grown Bronco, then what was in the past then, will occur in the future. Nothing wrong with gaining any edge you can. If the "Big Crows" think they can't beat Manning and Company, then they won't. Forget about what their coaches are saying, just listen to the News Media.

Posted by CaptCatnip on 2012-12-08 02:23:05

Rewatching the game just now and I think the consecutive pass plays in the 3rd quarter encapsulate what makes Manning + DT + Decker potentially two of the most deadly passing combinations in the NFL now and going forward. Two beautifully placed deep side balls in the only places they could go and great concentration and hands by both receivers. Those two plays were as good as it gets.

Posted by underdog on 2012-12-07 18:43:42

Chris Harris is quietly having a Pro Bowl season, IMO. Dude is a freakin' gem. Can't believe he wasn't even invited to the Combine, let alone drafted. Mike Adams & Rahim Moore have really impressed me this year. I know Moore got burned deep last night, but I've been very impressed by his play thus far. Adams was a great pickup by Elway & Co. And to think that we get Quinton Carter back next year! Damn, the future is bright in Denver. We just need a stud MLB and one more difference making DT for the future

Posted by Chad Jensen on 2012-12-07 18:07:09

I can't agree with that - Oakland had just marched down the field for a touchdown, making Denver's D look bad.

It was 4th and long - the chances of picking up the first down were minimal, and you'd still have a long field goal try. If you didn't make the first down, Oakland would have an opportunity, and they had momentum and timeouts - three plays to get 15 yards for a FG themselves.

Posted by billyricky on 2012-12-07 17:05:34

Remember Easy Ed? He would take some hellacious hits (while wearing his too-small shoulder pads). He came through it well until the one that snapped his leg.

Posted by billyricky on 2012-12-07 16:59:09

Peyton doesn't think so either.

Posted by billyricky on 2012-12-07 16:54:47

I also think they are holding some stuff back. Vanilla offense on purpose?

Posted by WrathofChakaKhan on 2012-12-07 14:29:19

Sure nice to have a former LB running our D, isn't it? :)

Posted by broncosmontana on 2012-12-07 13:42:06

"Too much depends on situation"This

"to be able IMO to become dogmatic about the universal application of statistics"This

"especially when the stats about results when failure occurs are fragile, when even existent."

And this.

Posted by A R on 2012-12-07 13:34:04

"Hopefully he's dieting correctly during video game play and ordering lots of pizza and sucking down sodas and nachos."

I see what you did there.

Posted by A R on 2012-12-07 13:31:46

Remember in Swordfish where Hugh Jackson has to hack the DOD database in 90 seconds while John Travolta has a gun to his head and the female extra....

Maybe Prater needs to practice 48 yard FGs under those condtions.

Posted by A R on 2012-12-07 13:23:00

I agree about the severity of the sacks taken last night. PMFM was doing a great job of protecting himself when the line had trouble doing it for him.

Live to fight another day, and all of that.

Posted by ronin_jubei on 2012-12-07 12:45:44

One thing I noticed in the punt return game from last week to this week was that last week it looked like they had Leonhard playing in front of Holliday to block the gunner and give him time to set up, which seemed very effective. That didn't seem to be the case this game and he was less effective with the muff and fair-catch call with nobody within 20 yards. Anyone else notice that or am i imagining things?

Posted by Prater2Beadles4Six on 2012-12-07 12:39:51

And Redskins!

:-)

Posted by John Tomasik on 2012-12-07 12:34:02

Go Texans!

Posted by underdog on 2012-12-07 12:26:05

I agree, Bob, that one instance is when I would've gone for it--that really would've been going for the jugular. It would've been important to run off enough time, however, so Raiders couldn't get one decent size play and then a FG before half which was probably Fox's worry, but I would've gone for it, too. I think the other instances actually felt like the right call to me in that it was earlier in the game when the Broncos' OL (coughRamirezcough) weren't blocking as well, PM didn't have as much time and credit the Raiders' D, they were playing and scheming pretty well. Whereas normally I'd have great faith in the offense in those moments I understand why they took the safe points. PM himself had a pick in the red zone, too, which ended one drive, so they were making some mistakes.

Posted by underdog on 2012-12-07 12:24:40

Say what you will about the (over)price of cable tv programming, but the fact that NFLN is packaged with the footballgasm that is RedZone (at least on Comcast in Denver) makes it worth every penny.

Posted by Prater2Beadles4Six on 2012-12-07 12:12:58

I dunno, Ralph. I replayed it a few times, and that was an awful long way to run the wrong direction to create space. I could be wrong, but it still looked hilarious.

I wish I had a screen capture of Bailey slamming that receiver to the turf (not sure who it was). I swear he picked him up 3' off the ground. Who jumped in to assist? Was it Moore?

Posted by John Tomasik on 2012-12-07 11:53:33

Pretty good game from first impressions.Everybody seems to notice DT. What pleases me is that he seems to improve as he and PM become more accustomed to and reliant on each other.

Miller may have as much influence in the potential for deep playoff run as does PM. He can (and does) change the momentum of the game, almost at will.Which brings up the subject of the relationship between statistics and momentum. Still not convinced by your's and TJ's arguments about 4th and short. Too much depends on situation, especially the role of momentum, to be able IMO to become dogmatic about the universal application of statistics, especially when the stats about results when failure occurs how fragile, when even existent.Frankly, I was happy with the 3 points on each occasion they occurred. Those nine points proved important (when the altgernatives of 0 or 7 (unlikely 14 or 21) would have influenced the momentum of the game more dramatically IMO. The likelihood for 7 in each case seemed increasingly remote after each of the three downs, and the impact of momentum shift felt more important than statistically verifiable.

Also thought Moreno improved as the game went on. I haven't noticed a stat on it (was probably somewhere) but I thought he had more carries than ever in his NFL career. And late in the game he become increasingly dominant. If he remains healthy, he may be playing into a crucial role for the Broncos.IMO we missed Kuper more than we missed Woodyard, which probably says more about Trevathan and DJ both of whom seemed pretty solid. In fact, the LB play, including Brooking, as others have stated, has become less of a concern as the season progresses.

Posted by ivanthenotsobad on 2012-12-07 11:42:34

In fairness, I think he went down and realized the whistle wasn't blown, got up with the idea of creating some running room and was then promptle pushed back by a Bronco Defender. THe TV guys made it seem like he was running in the wrong direction, but I didn't think that was actually the case.

Loved Champ's Body Slam, btw!

Posted by Ralph_W on 2012-12-07 11:42:29

Regarding Fox's decision making, I disliked the more the decision not to go for it on fourth down at midfield with 20 seconds left in the first half. True, it was fourth and long, but you may as well work to see if you can get the first down at that point, as there will be games that come along in which the Broncos are going to be trailing and need to find some momentum to carry them into the second half -- especially when they have to kick off to start the second half, as was the case last night.

I did like how, on that final drive, the Broncos used a couple of pass plays to keep Oakland honest and didn't just try to run it up the gut multiple times. They only started doing it when it was clear that Oakland was wearing down.

It might have helped on that last sustained Raider drive if the Broncos had gotten a little more aggressive in rushing Carson Palmer, but that may be nitpicking. Onside kick attempt or not, it was clear the Raiders were fighting an uphill battle last night. So in those games, I'm not as concerned about onside kicks... last night, it was more about the Raiders in desperation mode than in "still a chance to win" mode, if that makes any sense.

Posted by Bob on 2012-12-07 11:42:19

I'm just glad Matt hit something from the 40s last night. That was one of the few things that was truly worrisome to me. Before, my family and I were talking about how they should take Delay of Game penalties on 40-something yard field goals just to push him out beyond fifty.

Other than that it sounded, yes sounded, like a good game. NFLN isn't going to squeeze me for more dough for already over-priced TV programming. It is nice to hear Dave cast the game, very refreshing change of pace from the televised knuckle heads.

Posted by atomiccityblues on 2012-12-07 11:38:47

Hey, do you guys remember that one Raider who landed on his noggin', then got up and started running the wrong way? Maybe he was just scared that Bailey would throw him to the turf...

Posted by John Tomasik on 2012-12-07 11:25:46

The difference between 'running into the line' and 'closing out the game' is a matter of result, but yes I see your point.

Posted by ohiobronco on 2012-12-07 11:24:41

Yes ohiobronco it's generally more about 4th down calls, but also with last week's decision to just run the ball into the line three times after TB turned it over on downs. Which was followed by a Prater missed FG. Granted, the result would have been acceptable had he made the kick, but I still didn't like the calls on that series at all.

Posted by Douglas Lee on 2012-12-07 11:14:21

Doug, I assume your dispute is more in the 4th down decisions rather than actual playcalling? Last week the Broncos successfully controlled the ball late in the game with the short passing game and this week it was with the running game. Hard to fault the playcalling when you are controlling and moving the ball with a lead.

Yes they got a little soft on defense but Freeman and Palmer are both long ball passers and forcing them to drive on you is a good bet IMO.

Posted by ohiobronco on 2012-12-07 11:01:57

Ohio...lol. No kidding. Hopefully he's dieting correctly during video game play and ordering lots of pizza and sucking down sodas and nachos. I've heard that really speeds up the healing/conditioning process.

Posted by John Tomasik on 2012-12-07 10:47:41

I can cherrypick plays on the other side of the coin and say, "well, if this one thing had happened, then it might've changed the game and put the Broncos 4 scores ahead."

Yeah, I know what's going to happen. If the Broncos lose one game, I'll be hearing the, "I told you so!" Eh, bring it. This team is exactly where I thought they'd be in W's/L's. I didn't expect the play of everyone to step up like it has, but it's great to see.

I liked the Fox-ball near the end of the game last night. Keep the receivers/Manning safe, run the ball, and let the Raiders beat themselves (which they did). I wish they would've let Hillman run more (at the end), to rest Moreno.

Posted by John Tomasik on 2012-12-07 10:46:03

DT sure takes the hits. The guy's tough, but he keeps getting banged up seemingly almost every game (struggled with his ankle a few times, right?). I love seeing him get the ball, but I'm half-cringing when he starts getting hit.

Decker sure takes the shots, though. Not sure if it's how they use him vs. how they use DT, or if it's just that DT can adjust quicker to make yards after the catch better than Decker. Good to have them both, though.

Here's to hoping Kuper and Woodyard are back completely healthy. Great to see DJ and Trevathan (man, that guy is like a magnet around the ball, isn't he?) fill in.

Posted by John Tomasik on 2012-12-07 10:39:40

Removed the Lande link, hadn't realized how old it was. Bunch of his (stale) articles showed up in my feed this morning, for some reason.

Posted by Douglas Lee on 2012-12-07 10:26:08

ohiobronco it was no big deal last night, but when beatdowns over SD, KC, and TB could have turned on successful onside kicks, the games are being left more to chance than they should be. Just because they worked out, doesn't mean the correct decisions were made along the way.

Posted by Douglas Lee on 2012-12-07 10:23:46

I know Ohio, it's a nit pick. And we were given notice that establishing the run was a priority this week. But still sometimes it seems like we bought a Jaguar but always drive below the limit to save gas.

Posted by iamafreeman on 2012-12-07 10:13:20

Indeed, thanks.

Posted by Douglas Lee on 2012-12-07 10:00:58

If successfully running out the clock and giving the opponent no chance is Foxball then give me more Foxball. Kind of reminds me of one of last times the Broncos faced Peyton in Indy and Brandon Marshall set a record by catching like 700 4 yard passes. The Broncos were helping Indy run out the clock and Indy was letting them. They knew Orton wasn't going to beat them and we knew Palmer wouldn't.

Posted by ohiobronco on 2012-12-07 09:59:37

Doug - Prisco is talking about Russell Wilson, not Ryan Wilson

Posted by bradley on 2012-12-07 09:48:53

Doug, IAOFM's crystal ball must have been recently cleaned last Spring when you and Ted were prognosticating about why PFM to Denver made sense and how PFM would make the existing talent look much better.

I remembered your explanation of why Denver really was a logical landing place for PFM. But I had forgotten Ted's piece. Perhaps the most uncanny portion of that one was the explanation for why (before it happened) it would make sense to draft Oz in the second round and then hope that we never got to see him play.

Good stuff, thanks.

Posted by Alaskan on 2012-12-07 09:24:37

Thanks Doug, nice win! I agree we let our opponents set the pace sometimes late in games when we should keep putting the hammer down. Foxball can be frustrating.

Yuks? Really? Since you've given up the pig parts my worthless input is stick with OT.

Posted by iamafreeman on 2012-12-07 09:13:58

I would like to send a personal message to Terrell Suggs. You should absolutely try to play through your injury this week. Also don't waste your time going in for treatment, it would be much better to stay home and play Call of Duty.

Posted by ohiobronco on 2012-12-07 09:02:33

You said it, JT! It's going to be fascinating to see what Houston can do in Foxborough, especially since old Kubes was part of that Broncos regime that certainly owned Brady-Belechick in every way. Some who suspect that Houston is overachieving may just have their expectations reset after that game.

Posted by broncosmontana on 2012-12-07 08:45:35

"Cherish this, Broncos fans. Ten wins is routine for Manning and for the Denver Broncos, but this is a most special season."

Great intro. Dr. Lee! It's crazy how easy this year goes on, like an old familiar coat. It feels like this is how its *supposed* to be in Broncos Country. You really have to guard against taking it for granted, because once Peyton's gone, we could be setting up for Brian Griese II and a few more years of mediocrity until we get Andrew Luck. hahaha

Posted by broncosmontana on 2012-12-07 08:42:34

Here's to hoping Houston and Washington play their best games ever this weekend and lay a hurting on New England and Baltimore.